New Car Previews

A Face-Lift To Make Joan Rivers Proud.
Ann Arbor Youth triumphs in all things automotive, just as it does in the wider world. So, after a new model debuts, we've come to expect a freshening in year three, a special edition in year four, and an all-new model after five years.

The 2007 Lincoln Navigator joins the all-new Lincoln MKX crossover and the renamed MKZ sedan (known for 2006 as the Zephyr), but it eschews the alphanumeric and keeps its real name. A fussy set of grilles clumsily recalls Continentals and Marks of the 1960s, but the look doesn't work here. Even if you don't find the effect elegant, you certainly can't miss it, and that might be more important anyhow. Driving home the "more is more" theme are tons of chrome, a "powerdome" hood, and optional twenty-inch wheels. We'd be remiss if we didn't note that the new Escalade is available with 22-inchers.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds two doors to the iconic rock crawler which adds to its everyday usability and on-road handling characteristics. The new Wrangler, both in two and four-door form, adds a bevy of interior upgrades and top options which adds up to hundreds of ordering possibilities.

Toned down from the wild Concept S show car that was seen earlier this year at Geneva, the Gallardo Spyder makes use of a powered top that stows under the engine cover and behind the passenger compartment. In case you invert the car, there is a pop-up roll bar and strengthened A-pillars. While the car was in the body shop, the Lamborghini engineers increased the 5.0-liter V-10's power from 492 to 512 hp. (All 2006 Gallardos receive the power hike.) The six-speed transmission has been recalibrated, along with the suspension and steering. Lamborghini says that the car will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 195 mph with the roof up. Topless, the car is 4 mph slower. The Gallardo Spyder goes on sale in Europe early next year, priced at about $200,000.

More stylish and refined than the all-but-forgotten Tribute SUV, the CX-7 crossover will be an attractive choice for small families (it seats only five) thanks to available all-wheel drive, six standard air bags, and standard stability control. But with no U.S.-market replacement for the MPV minivan in the works and limited passenger capacity in the CX-7 and Tribute SUVs, the most capacious people hauler in the company's lineup will be the economically and ecologically friendly Mazda 5 minivan, which has six seats. Market analysts might call this strategy crazy, but we say Mazda deserves kudos for resisting the urge to offer a vehicle in every market niche.

Seventeen years after Lexus introduced the first LS luxury sedan at the 1989 Detroit auto show, the company unveiled its fourth-generation flagship sedan, the LS460, in Motown. As successful as the LS400 and the LS430 have been, they have never quite measured up to the big, long-wheelbase offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Jaguar in terms of sheer size, street presence, and prestige, even if they often exceeded them in refinement, reliability, and quality. Now that Toyota is expanding the Lexus brand beyond North America to Japan, Europe, and other world markets, the automaker hopes to compete neck-to-neck with the S-class, the 7-series, the A8, and the XJ8 with the LS460L, which debuted in Detroit as the first-ever, long-wheelbase LS. Lexus also announced that the new LS will be equipped with the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission, a big poke in the eye to Mercedes, which introduced a seven-speed automatic only recently. "That's right," said Jim Press, president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales during the unveiling of the LS460. "Eight speeds. We're uppin' 'em one."

The 2006 Detroit show marks the North American debut of the new Kia Optima, which will be nearly identical to the European Kia Magentis that was unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005. Whereas the previous car was a restyled, bug-eyed version of the Hyundai Sonata, Kia claims that the Optima is significantly different from its Hyundai brother, although powertrains are still shared. Engine choices are include a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6 and a 161-hp 2.4-liter four.

The new Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV has been specifically designed for the North American markets. It is longer than the five-passenger CX-7, so there is space for a full three rows. The CX-9 is built on a unibody platform (who would make a body-on-frame crossover?) with front-wheel drive standard and the all-wheel drive system of the MAZDASPEED6 and CX-7 available as an option. The all-wheel drive system can direct up to 50% of the power to the rear, when needed and as governed by its numerous traction and stability control systems.

In an attempt to move away from its also-ran role in the Asian car industry, Suzuki has been pushing hard over the past year with ew models, including the Grand Vitara mid-size SUV, the bigger XL7, and the SX4 shown above. The SX4 offers the type of boxy, spacious design that is becoming de rigueur for the small-car segment, but adds all-wheel drive, filling a void left by the many smaller 4X4s that have bulked up. The SX4 is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC in-line four mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. We haven't driven the SX4 yet, but check back closer to the on-sale date this fall to see if the small Suzuki has what it takes to beat the big guys.

Lincoln is hoping that, together with the new Zephyr sedan, the MKX will entice younger and hipper buyers into its showrooms, which have been lacking anything youthful or stylish for quite some time. Based on Mazda 6 architecture, the MKX uses the same 3.5 V-6 and front- or all-wheel drive components as the similar Ford Edge, but offers swiveling headlights and other luxuries not available on the Ford. When it goes on sale in the fall of 2006, this handsome crossover will be the first production model to follow Lincoln's new naming convention, which ditches familiar names like Aviator and Continental in favor of generic letter combinations. Hey, didn't every other luxury brand start doing that last decade?

In addition to the optional urine-dependent Bluetec diesel, the 2007 E-class, which goes on sale with a mild face-lift in July '06, got two new meaty gasoline engines. The normally aspirated, AMG-tuned, 514-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 is the top choice for the horsepower hungry, while the new S-class donated its 388-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for those who like ample power without that diesel aftertaste. For '07, Mercedes-Benz also endows the mid-sizer with standard crash-anticipating safety features and an optional lighting system that will make many other cars' headlights seem like gas lanterns. Mercedes also claims to have retuned the car's chassis and improved its steering.

Lincoln's MKZ (formerly known as the Zephyr,) shares nearly every component with the Ford Fusion, including high hopes for brand rejuvenation. Lincoln is in need of a fresh and proper flagship to accompany the aging Town Car and LS. However, it's questionable whether or not new and younger customers will flock to Lincoln/Mercury dealers for the smallish front-wheel-drive MKZ, especially with the lower-priced Fusion joining the plethora of solid import and domestic competitors.

Honda's first turbocharged engine debuts in....an SUV.

The current Saturn product line is not made up of the clever vehicles that once defined the hip young brand. They are instead dull, awkward blobs of plastic. But Saturn is now ready to win back a customer base with wonderfully Opel-like cars such as the Sky sports car and this beautiful sedan called the Aura. Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak calls this a "sneak peek at a new generation of emotionally compelling Saturn vehicles," and we hope that claim turns out to be true.

How do you deal with an iconic but aging design? With plenty of care and caution. Such is the case with the Audi TT, which has existed basically unchanged since its debut in 1998. The new car, introduced on a live internet video feed on April 6, looks very similar to the outgoing model. It maintains the circle and dome motifs that made the little coupe famous, but proportion changes make the car look lower, sleeker, and more aggressive. The same is true of the interior, which, while completely redesigned, looks like a smoothed over version of the last edition.

The Patriot is the second of a pair of compact crossovers that will be the new entry-level Jeeps. The Patriot is less than an inch shorter than the Liberty, but it is 2.5 inches narrower and nearly seven inches lower. The Patriot and its sister model, the Compass, are both mechanically related to the Dodge Caliber hatchback, and are built alongside the Caliber in Illinois. All three use transverse-mounted four-cylinder engines driving either the front wheels or all four wheels. The Patriot, however, is the only one to offer the option of a four-wheel-drive system with low range, part of an off-road package which also includes hill-descent control and a one-inch-higher ride height (for a 9-inch ground clearance). So equipped, the Patriot earns Jeep's Trail Rated badge. The Patriot's powerplant is a 172-hp 2.4-liter, which can be combined with either a five-speed manual or a continuous variable automatic. The Patriot's rectangular styling is supposed to recall the warmly remembered Jeep Cherokee. Jeep marketers say the Patriot's look resonates with current Jeep owners and with male buyers in general, whereas the more unusual styling of the Compass, they claim, appeals to women and to people who've never previously owned a Jeep. Both the Patriot and the Compass arrive in dealerships late this fall. Pricing for the Patriot has not yet been announced, but it should be close to that of the Compass, which starts at $15,985.

Limited to just 800 units, this U.S.-only STI variant is aimed at the shy, quiet wannabe banzai rally driver. The transformation from wild-child base STI to the business casual STI Limited was achieved primarily by swapping the regular car's gargantuan rear wing and roof-vane spoiler for a far more subtle, single decklid spoiler. The Limited also gets foglamps, a front air dam, unique Enkei wheels, and black Brembo calipers in place of the usual gold grippers. Inside, heated leather seats, satellite radio, and a sunroof improve the livability. Of the 800 cars, half will be painted white and half will be gray.

Maserati has reason to celebrate, since the automaker just wrapped up a victorious 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup season. The trident brand's victory cigar? This beautiful, blue, limited edition GranSport. A total of 180 MC Victory coupes will be made this year, featuring carbon front and rear spoilers, unique carbon-colored wheels, and Italian flags behind the front wheel, just like the winning MC12 race car. While the car doesn't officially go on sale until May, we're pretty sure the order list will be filled soon after the car's Geneva debut.

Subaru is debuting the Legacy Spec B, which was a special edition for 2006, but will be a full-fledged model for '07. The new model gains a sixth forward ratio for the manual gearbox and an electronic throttle and torque management system that Subaru calls SI Drive. SI Drive has three settings: intelligent, sport, and sport sharp. Set to intelligent, the system retards the Spec B's power output and dulls throttle response in an attempt to eliminate the car's jumpy turbo characteristics and make it easier to drive in day-to-day traffic. Subaru claims that this mode will increase fuel economy by ten percent. Sport mode is the default setting, and sport sharp will heighten throttle reponse and make gearshifts more aggressive in cars equipped with an automatic transmission. SI Drive will also be fitted to all turbo Legacy GTs and Outback XTs.

It's time for a mid-cycle face-lift for Nissan's flagship sedan, but you'll have to look closely at the face of the 2007 Maxima, because Nissan's stylists were awfully stingy with the Botox. The freshened front end has had its nose stretched slightly, and new, sleeker headlamps are surrounded by more wedge-shaped sheetmetal. A bigger rear spoiler for the SE model, more aggressive side sills, and a reshaped rear bumper round out the exterior modifications.

Los Angeles, which is Maserati's largest market in California, which is in turn Maserati's largest market in the U.S., which happens to be--you guessed it--Maserati's largest market in the world, was the site of the U.S. launch of Maserati's sexy Quattroporte Sport GT. First shown in Frankfurt last September, the Quattroporte Sport GT was conceived as sportier version of the brand's big sedan--if not a more powerful one. With enhancements on the decidedly subtle side, the Sport GT nonetheless should help remedy the car's major malady--the clunky six-speed manu-matic transmission--as the car boasts a reworked gearbox that allegedly shifts 35 percent faster than the frustratingly slow-witted previous tranny. The Sport GT model also gets twenty-inch wheels, suspension tweaks, and special interior accoutrements such as carbon-fiber trim and blue and red stitching for the steering wheel and parking brake. A mean-looking, blackened crosshatch grille also adorns the Quattroporte Sport GT.

The attractive Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon is derived from the recently introduced 159 sedan, and the overall length remains the same at 183.5 inches. To give a sense of size, that's roughly the same length as a Saab 9-3 SportCombi or an Acura TSX. The Sportwagon will ride on a control-arm front suspension and a multilink setup at the rear, and its power will come from one of six powerplants, including three gasoline engines that range in output from 160 hp to 260 hp and three turbo-diesels that will produce anywhere from 120 hp to 200 hp. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed manu-matic, and 260-hp versions can be had with all-wheel drive.

Maserati's L.A. and Detroit auto show stands featured, for the first time in the U.S., the new GranSport Spyder. Not surprisingly, the sporty two-seater is nothing more than a convertible version of the GranSport Coupe. The GranSport designation indicates the fitment of pronounced aerodynamic add-ons, chrome mesh front and rear grille inserts, sexy tailpipes, and multi-spoke nineteen-inch wheels. A 0.4-inch ride height reduction combines with standard Skyhook active suspension to further sharpen the handling of the Spyder. The glorious, Ferrari-sourced 400-hp V-8 is unchanged for GranSport duty, but the Cambiocorsa sequential manual--the only transmission available--has been reprogrammed for 35% faster gear changes.

Lexus has added another weapon to their green-leaning arsenal as they unveilthe GS450h sedan, in dealerships since the spring of 2006. Itjoins Lexus's own RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles to offer theimproved fuel economy and eco-friendliness of a hybrid powertrain. Lexusalso touts the GS450h as the first rear-wheel-drive car to receive thehybrid treatment.

Following up the debut of the new, 2007 Lexus LS460 and LS460 L, which were unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January, Lexus has now rolled out the range-topping hybrid version, the LS600h L. The fourth Lexus hybrid model, the LS600h L is the only one to pair the company's electric drive system with a V-8 engine. Lexus puts the combined output of the 5.0-liter V-8 and the electric motor at more than 430 hp (versus 380 hp for the LS460's 4.6-liter V-8). The company claims that the hybrid delivers acceleration on a par with twelve-cylinder luxury sedans while providing fuel economy that beats competitors' V-8s. The LS600h L continues Lexus's philosophy of positioning its hybrids not as fuel-sipping green machines but as the highest-performing, top-spec models in the range. As such, the LS600h L will be the most expensive version of the LS, and will be offered in the United States with the long-wheelbase body only. Whereas the LS460 comes with rear-wheel drive, the hybrid will have standard all-wheel drive. Seating is for only four, with a console between the individual rear seats and power sunshades in the doors. A Maybach-style articulating footrest and a massage function are built into the rear seat, but--strangely--only for the right-side seat. It also features a navigation system that stores its data on a hard drive instead of on DVDs; LED headlights; XM satellite radio with real-time traffic info; and, perhaps most incredibly, an automatic parallel-parking function--push a button, and the car backs itself into the space. As an option, the LS has a pre-collision system that not only uses camera to scan the road ahead for obstacles but also trains a camera on the driver, to assess whether he or she is responding adequately; the system flashes a light and sounds an alarm to warn the driver of a possible impending crash, helps the car respond by quickening the steering ratio and beginning to apply the brakes on its own, and prepares the car by tightening the seatbelts and closing the windows. The LS600h L will hit the road next April, six months after its non-hybrid sister model.